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Caricom agrees on “regional commission” on medical marijuana

Jul 08, 2014 News

…addresses public awareness on Reparation
Caricom Heads have decided to set up a “regional commission” to ascertain the effects of legalising marijuana for medical purposes. The body is seeking to determine whether the 15 plus residents in the Caribbean bloc should be allowed to use the drug and what legal ramifications should accompany the possession of small amounts.
Acknowledging that the legalisation of the herb raises the issue of social and criminal implications, Caribbean leaders made the announcement when discussions on the matter were conducted on the second day of the Thirty-Fifth Conference of Caricom Heads of Government in Antigua.
It was reported that in an announcement pointed “to the nature of the subject, it is proposed that the work of a regional commission be supported by national commissions” and that the commissions will be “responsible for conducting research and consultations at the national level, the output of which will feed into the work of the regional commission.”
Reports out of the regional meeting said also that a number of months have been given for the work of the Commission, while reports on its progress are expected to be handed into leaders. It was claimed that efforts to mobilize resources are on the way. However, should those resources not materialize; it is proposed that States take responsibility for their members. September will see the establishment of the Commissions.
It was projected by Caricom members that large sums of money can be generated from the sale of medical herbs. It was noted, however, that appropriate study and understanding are required before any moves ahead in the legalization process.
The issue of the legalization of small quantities of marijuana is a growing matter in the region, with Caricom leaders considering strongly the necessity of legalizing the Cannabis plant. They are convinced however, that a comprehensive study is also necessary before they can permit the legalization of the plant for any purpose.
Leaders had earlier this year, expressed concerns over negative public, mental health effects and “persons including youths for possession of small quantities of marijuana and the resultant effects on their post sentencing life chances.”
On another issue, Caricom leaders agreed to convene the Second Regional Conference on Reparations in September 2014 to increase public dialogue and civil society engagement as well as an Academic Conference.
It was explained that an effort between Caribbean Universities and the University of Essex, with expert opinions and scientific evidence, would be presented as an intervention to reach the Regional, European and International public.
A Regional Strategic and Operational Plan for a Caribbean Reparatory Justice Programme (CRJP), was adopted by the Regional Reparations Commission.
In late 2014, early 2015, a Draft Notice of Complaint; letter from the Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee (PMSC) on Reparations, by Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados, to the relevant European Governments with a request for a Conference be held, was adopted.
The UN General Assembly in 2014 saw Caricom leaders advancing the case of Reparations through their statements and other diplomatic forms of engagement. They are seeking various forms of compensation for the crimes of native genocide and slavery.
All Caribbean member States are asked to provide relevant information of those events for submission to Europe so claims can be made. Caricom is willing to go to the International Court if Europe fails to hear their cries. Currently, an English-based law firm is handling the Region’s legal matters in this regard.

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